Airbnb Rental Laws and Regulations Seattle, WA

How does Seattle, WA define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

• A residential dwelling that consists of a condo, house, or apartment, either in its entirety or a portion thereof. 
• Any transient lodging option where the property is rented to guests for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. 

Please note that in the following information the terms “Short-term rental” and “vacation rental” are exchangeable. 

Source: Seattle STR Information

Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Seattle, WA? 

Yes. However, investors in Seattle, WA can only own and operate up to two vacation rental properties as short-term (Airbnb) rentals. If an investor holds an operator’s license, they can use one of their dwelling units as their primary residence and rent out the other unit. The rental can be for the entire dwelling unit or a portion of it, such as a bedroom or an accessory apartment. However, the total number of vacation rental properties an investor can own and operate is limited to two.

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

Does Seattle, WA have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

Yes, Seattle, WA has zoning restrictions for Short-Term Rentals (STRs). The zoning restrictions include limitations on lodging activities in certain areas such as non-dwelling units, shoreline areas, commercial or industrial buildings (except for permitted caretaker’s quarters), and live-work units.

Source: Seattle STR Information

In Seattle, WA can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity? 

Yes, in Seattle, WA, an investor can own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity. The city’s short-term rental ordinance allows operators, which can be individuals, groups of people, or corporate entities like LLCs, to own and operate short-term (Airbnb) rental units. The licensing process requires operators to include the addresses of specific units on their operator license, and there are limits on the number of units that each operator can operate.

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

In Seattle, WA, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, in Seattle, WA, investors can register accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multifamily homes as vacation rentals. The city’s regulations allow the primary unit to be an attached or detached ADU or “in-law” apartment within a larger housing unit. Additionally, rented rooms without their own kitchens and bathrooms do not count towards an operator’s unit count and are covered under the STR operator’s primary or secondary residence license.

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

What is Seattle, WA requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

Here is a list of requirements to obtain a Vacation Rental License in Seattle, WA:

• Business License Tax Certificate: You need to obtain a business license tax certificate from the Finance & Administrative Services Department in order to operate a Airbnb rental in the city.
• Regulatory License: All short-term rentals must comply with the new requirements for a regulatory license. You can find detailed information about the business licensing rules on the appropriate website, and it is advisable to visit the FAS Short-Term Rental webpage for further guidance.
• Transient Accommodation License: The state Department of Health may require you to obtain a transient accommodation license for your vacation rental.
• Tax Obligations: The state Department of Revenue mandates the payment of certain types of taxes for short-term (Airbnb) rentals. It is important to fulfill your tax obligations as required by the department.

Source: Seattle STR Information

What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Seattle, WA?

The costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Seattle, WA include a fee of $75 per unit, which is valid for one year. Additionally, it is necessary to have a Seattle business license tax certificate in order to obtain the license.

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

Does Seattle, WA have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

In Seattle, WA, there is an occupancy limit for vacation rentals. According to regulations, no more than eight people in total, with some exceptions, are allowed to occupy a dwelling unit used as a vacation rental.

Source: Seattle STR Information

Does Seattle, WA require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

If an investor in Seattle, WA operates their primary residence as a short-term rental, they must meet basic habitability requirements but are not required to register or have their unit inspected. However, for dedicated Airbnb rental units, such as accessory dwelling units, separate from their primary residence, registration and compliance with the Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) program are necessary. More details can be found on the RRIO website.

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

Does Seattle, WA have any responsible agent requirements?

Yes, Seattle, WA has responsible agent requirements for vacation rentals. The operator is responsible for adhering to operating standards, which include posting basic safety information within the rental unit. Additionally, the operator must provide a local contact number that guests can reach in case of any issues or emergencies during their stay. These requirements are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of guests staying at vacation rental properties in Seattle.

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

Does Seattle, WA have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

No, Seattle, WA does not have specific insurance requirements for vacation rentals. However, it is generally recommended for vacation rental owners to obtain appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves and their property. Insurance options such as liability insurance or short-term rental insurance can provide coverage for potential damages, accidents, or other unforeseen events that may occur during a guest’s stay.

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Seattle, WA Vacation Rental license?

A Seattle, WA Vacation Rental License is valid for a duration of 12 months from the date of issuance. For example, if the license was issued on March 15, 2021, it would be valid until March 15, 2022. Renewal reminders are sent via email to the operator’s registered email address. To renew the license, operators need to log in to their Seattle Services Portal account and follow the renewal process outlined there. 

Source: Seattle Business Regulations STR Info

In Seattle, WA, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Seattle, WA?

In Seattle, WA, for short-term rentals, such as those facilitated through Airbnb and VRBO, there is a short-term rental tax that applies. However, Airbnb collects and remits both state and local taxes within the State of Washington on behalf of hosts. These taxes are typically paid by the guest as part of the booking process. Hosts do not need to track or directly pay these taxes to Seattle, WA themselves as it is handled by the platform. 

Source: Airbnb Seattle

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Seattle, WA Vacation Rentals?

STR Licensing Customer Service: (206) 386-1267 or STR@seattle.gov

Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

No, at the time of compiling this information, Get Chalet did not find any new regulations or laws that Seattle is requiring.